Bridal Fashion Week

Bridal Fashion Week Recap

Bridal Fashion Week is the Valentine's Day of fashion. It's the market exception; the only time a woman who typically shops at Banana Republic will splurge on a designer garment. That said, it's a booming industry and one that is, season after season, receiving increasing attention from the industry. Bridal Fashion Week is a sort of informal menagerie of those that have the atelier manpower to turn out Couture for the masses (an oxymoron, another reason we cringe at this spectacle). That said, here's our obligatory recap of notable collections being turned out for blushing brides-to-be. No matter our instinct to shun the charade, the designers themselves, are those we respect.

Oscar de la Renta: For his bridal collection Oscar de la Renta turned out, as typical of the designer, a dress for every type of wedding. There was the prairie inspired (complete with straw hat), the Japanese inspired, the CEO turned, er, wife inspired. There was a dress, and one pantsuit, for every type of gal. Each were stunning, if some were more palpable than others. Click to see the collection.

Carolina Herrera: Remember that equestrian overdose from Fall 08? Yes, those hats made a surprise reappearance. Looks like the interns went nuts with a can of spray paint while Herrera was busy designing the classic (not trendy nor avant garde--thank you anyway for the hats) gowns she is known for. We appreciate Herrera's wherewithal in designing for garments for cold weather brides. The white fur trimmed coat was something that you might actually wear beyond the 'big day'. Click to see the collection.

Badgley Mischka: Dear, Badgley Mischka. That was a really bad idea. First of all, please do not let the hair stylists tell you that long, waves, 'very L.A. Confidential' will turn out all right. The models look like cheerleaders. They look like they're from, gasp, L.A. Also, please do not do that 'princess dress' thing we remember from our high school prom. It makes us look fat and stupid. Lastly, we are willing to forgive you if you promise not to use that ugly backdrop again. Love, Women of The World. Click to see the collection.

Monique Lhuillier: Baaaam! You know when your teacher tells you that you're going to be learning about the judicial system and you get all psyched 'cause your mom is a court stenographer? Yeah, that's how Monique Lhuillier must feel during Bridal Week. The woman knows how to make a super glamorous frock. She knows the 'I want to look like a movie star' song and dance and damn if she didn't drive the point home this week. It's all in the details and, finally, the big white frocks that still make your derriere look good. Click to see the collection.